{"product_id":"on-the-ball-9781915045249","title":"On the Ball!","description":"\u003cp\u003eDavid Vassall's father was an ex-England international centre-forward, so when David starts at Repington, there are high expectations for the school football team. In his trial match, however, despite having some natural talent as a footballer, he \"funks\" - chickens out of tackles - a big taboo in school culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVassall is villified - and falls foul of the bully Birtles. The irrepressible, charismatic McPhail, however, see more to the situation and takes Vassall in hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWithout a decent centre-forward, the house and school team look set to decline. Will the bullies, or Vassall and his few good friends, prevail?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStanley Horler was the father of the football novel, On the Ball! is one of his best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"1889 Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50459094450450,"sku":"9781915045249","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_84a9363e-a55c-4bca-92ad-058c160b65fd.jpg?v=1729975601","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/on-the-ball-9781915045249","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}